By Owais Tabassum: Ah, boxing! The sweet science, the fight game, the noble art—the greatest sport of all time? Let’s explore that notion.

The sport of boxing has given birth to innumerable tales, enthralling myths, deep-rooted traditions, cinematic reproductions, and captivating literature filled with stories of redemption, tragedy, bravery, fortitude, and sometimes outright madness!

This ancient Greek sport was born around 600 BC, in which competitors would clobber one another with hands wrapped in leather strips. By the time the Romans got wind of this, they introduced gloves with thick metal studs and skin-piercing spikes (of course they did). Boxing became a gladiatorial event, giving birth to the ‘pugilist’ and a culture of celebrity fanfare that was rampant even two thousand years ago.

The fall of the Roman Empire, however, saw the decline of boxing from the grand coliseum to medieval barnyards and back alleys. Boxing all but disappeared during the Middle Ages.

A revival of the sport was brewing in London, England, during the 18th century. Pugilists competed with bare knuckles, fighting for money and fame, giving birth to the “prize fighter” era. Boxing gained the support of the upper classes and, in some cases, royalty. This patronage helped elevate the sport’s status and legitimacy.

But boxing was still mercilessly brutal.

Consider this. The longest Boxing match in history was fought between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke in a hot and humid field in New Orleans 1893. The fight lasted an excruciating 110 rounds for a total of 7 hours and 19 minutes. It was declared a “no contest” because neither boxer was  able to continue after the 111th round.

Thankfully then, the 19th century saw the adaption of the ‘Queensbury rules’ introduced by  the Marquess of Queensbury at the time (who, through a lawsuit, sent Oscar Wilde to his  stint in the READING Gaol prison)

The Queensbury Rules introduced padded leather gloves, rounds were divided into three-minute segments, and gone were the days of attacking downed opponents and sadistically placed spiked gloves. The sweet science was born. Strategic tactics encouraged calculated defense, clever footwork, and the idea of outthinking and outsmarting opponents, which brought new dynamics to a previously one-dimensional, brutish affair.

Weight classes were established, regulations and governing bodies slowly replaced mob-controlled bouts of corruption, and the British Boxing Board of Control ensured the safety and well-being of the fighters.

Boxing events have historically had a sort of magic that attracts ringside spectators such as movie stars, singers, world Leaders, and socialites.

When Irish sensation Barry McGuigan fought during the troubles in his home country, it united Protestants and Catholics under the same roof and on terrestrial TV. Barry’s message was clear: “Leave the fighting to McGuigan.”

Manny Pacquiao, out of the Philippines, would fight, and the bustling streets of Manilla would come to a standstill. Law enforcement reported huge drops in crime.

Muhammad Ali, voted sports personality of the century and perhaps owning the most recognizable name and face in the modern world, fought globally, inspiring humanity everywhere he went.

Take a trip through fair ground tough man/hammer striking games today and you’ll notice  the artworks are dotted with images of British greats like Henry Cooper and Frank Bruno.

The decline 

The 2000s saw a decline in the sport. Boxing diminished in popularity due largely to expensive PPV bouts at ungodly hours. Greedy promoters prevented the best from competing against the best, and a number of ‘alphabet titles’ caused confusion about who the world champions actually were.

The 2000s also saw “UFC” or ‘mixed martial arts’ enjoy an astronomical rise in popularity, winning a huge portion of ‘fight fans’, and it was easy to see why. The events were spectacular, and the best fought the best, uncorrupted by politics as it was run by a single governing body.

The future 

Today, however, boxing is undergoing a fresh resurgence under an unlikely alliance with the Saudi sports minister Turki Alalshikh. Turki has ambitions to see the best compete with the best where no expense is seemingly spared in delivering high-quality events with

promotional videos directed by the likes of ‘Guy Richie.’ Fighters are deservedly handsomely paid, captivating fight cards are being put together, and numerous ‘unification’  bouts are taking place. All major boxing promoters seemingly form an Avengers-style assembly of boxers, making for mouth-watering current and future contests. Of course, it is not without its critics, and time will tell if this is ultimately great for the sport.

Modern championship bouts are 12 rounds in length, drug testing is stringent, and the safety of the competitors is paramount. Grassroots remain sturdy; boxing gyms throughout the country support misguided youth and inspire hope in would-be athletes. Women’s boxing is also flourishing. I implore you to drown any prejudices you may have, watch a Katie Taylor event, and be amazed at the skill and technical prowess on display.

A sense of pride in this historic sport lives on through the next generation of competitors and champions. Boxing may truly become great again, and I, for one, will continue to be a keen observer.